I'm moving into a school district at the end of this week that is know to be very strict about truancy. I don't know any homeschool parents in that area yet or I'd ask them this question. Anyhow, how do I handle the truancy officers when I'm out and about with my daughter in the middle of the day? Or if she's out by herself? Is there something I should do besides simply state that I homeschool. I mean, they don't know me so they don't have to take my word. As you can see I'm a little nervous. Any help would be great. Thanks!_________________If you're concerned about either the Earth or your health, then you owe it to yourself to check out this web site!

In our 12+ years of homeschooling in 2 states, we've only been questioned by a truant officer once. Most of the time everyone who sees us just assumes I have my kids out of school for some reason of my own. (If the kids are on their own, my oldest DD tends to be mistaken for the mom ever since she was about 10.)

On that one occasion, I told the officer that we were homeschoolers and he asked me when was the last time we'd had our portfolio examined and who'd examined it. He concluded from my replies that we were legitimate (and legal) and he went away.

It'd be great if it was that easy but it's my first year and I don't have a portfolio reviewer yet I gues I'd better get in touch with one fast LOL_________________If you're concerned about either the Earth or your health, then you owe it to yourself to check out this web site!

When we lived in the great state of Maryland the options were either join an umbrella org (which I did not want to do, being ornery and independent) or keep a portfolio on each child and have it reviewed by a truant officer once a year. Don't ask me what for! I merely complied.

I think I'll just tell them that they're welcome to come back to my apartment and see my daughter's portfolio even though I called the school district yesterday and they told me that they don't want to see anything from me until my daughter reaches the compulsory age of 8 LOL_________________If you're concerned about either the Earth or your health, then you owe it to yourself to check out this web site!

I'm moving into a school district at the end of this week that is know to be very strict about truancy. I don't know any homeschool parents in that area yet or I'd ask them this question. Anyhow, how do I handle the truancy officers when I'm out and about with my daughter in the middle of the day? Or if she's out by herself? Is there something I should do besides simply state that I homeschool. I mean, they don't know me so they don't have to take my word. As you can see I'm a little nervous. Any help would be great. Thanks!

Ah. I see from your last post that compulsory school age is 8. Well, then, if you're out and about you just tell anyone who inquires that you're hsing and call it a day. Since compulsory school age is 8, I wouldn't recommend offering to let anyone see any records you might be keeping. No one has a right to do that, and the rule of thumb is that you never let authorities do things for which they do not have a legal basis.